You seem to be keen on entering the world of work equipped with a degree as well as the skills necessary to carve a niche for yourself as a successful professional. However, you seem to be unsure and confused when it comes to deciding which course you wish to take up. This is bound to happen, given the plethora of opportunities as well as the cut throat competition that exists.

Taking into consideration the above factors, it is advisable to identify the areas which interest you, as well as your aspirations, potentials and personality in a scientific and objective manner. This will enable you to narrow down the various 'fields and options', 'courses and careers' you are most suitable for. This will help you understand yourself and choose fields that are appropriate for you, given your Interest and Personality profile; A correct career choice will lead to job satisfaction and motivation to excel in the field you have selected.

SOME OPTIONS THAT YOU COULD CONSIDER AFTER A COMMERCE DEGREE ARE -

ADVERTISING - Advertising offers very interesting, lucrative and mentally satisfying career options. Over the last 5-6 years the business of adverting has increased manifolds and

especially during 1999-2000 it had seen tremendous growth. Before you plan to enter the field you need to know how a typical advertising agency is structured. The various departments are: Client Servicing/Account Management, Media Planning, and Creative (Copy writers, Visualisers).

PUBLIC RELATIONS - As a PR executive you could specialise in: Corporate Communications, Marketing Communications, Corporate Identity, Investor Relations, Employee

Relations, Event Management, Crisis Management, and Celebrity Management.

TRAVEL AND TOURISM - In a travel agency, you could work as a Travel Consultant. Here, you'll provide information and guidance on tourist locations and also handle ticketing and reservation. You'll guide tourists on regulations in foreign countries like custom duty, foreign currency, exchange rates, etc. You'll book tickets for a regular clientele and also co-ordinate with big companies like SOTC or tour operators that need rail, bus and air tickets booked for their clients.

MANAGEMENT -The specialisations are Marketing, Finance, Human Resource, Export, Rural management, etc.

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT - As a CA you will offer financial advice and audit accounts for private individuals, companies, industries, educational institutions, etc. You could also work as a financial guide or consultant, advice clients on investments, general taxation and act as executors and trustees. You will analyse the profitability on business expansion as well

as its long term returns. You have to complete the course conducted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI).

FINANCIAL ANALYSTS - The financial analyst's role focuses primarily on financial analysis while the CA focuses on financial accounting, taxation and costing. The nature of work would be in -Corporate Finance, Investment Management, Financial Service, The Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts of India (ICFAI) conducts the Certified Financial Analyst Course.

LAW - There are various specialised areas you can work in- Corporate Law, Criminal Law, Civil Law, Property Law, International Law, Information Technology Law.